Protests erupt in Barcelona after Catalan leaders jailed

Spanish High Court detains five Catalan politicians for their involvement in the region's October secessionist bid.

23 Mar 2018 21:11 GMT

Secessionist Catalan protesters continue to push for an independent republic, which Spain views as an illegal act of rebellion [Reuters]

Thousands of protesters have filled the streets of Barcelona after Spain's High Court jailed five Catalan politicians who played a role in the region's declaration of independence.

Demonstrators on Friday evening carried the single-star flag of the presumptive Catalan Republic and signs with slogans such as "Freedom for Political Prisoners".

Catalonia declared independence from Spain in October 2017 after a political back-and-forth between the regional and national governments.

The declaration went unrecognised by the international community.

Spanish Judge Pablo Llarena ordered detention without bail for Jordi Turull, the president of Catalonia's regional government, former regional legislators Josep Rull, Raul Romeva and Dolors Bassa, as well as the ex-president of the parliament, Carme Forcadell.

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Llarena said an investigation into their pro-secession moves "has reflected clear insurrection".

The High court issued international arrest warrants for six more Catalan politicians.

Several Catalan politicians have fled Spain to avoid being put in jail, including former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium in October.

Marta Rovira, the head of the Catalan Republican Left party who was also summoned to the High Court, announced Friday she had left Spain to live in exile in Switzerland.

Oriol Junqueras, the former Catalan vice president, has been in prison since December.

Clashes amid an uncertain future

Social media posts showed demonstrators clashing with Catalan police, who are called "Mossos".

The Mossos were attempting to keep demonstrators separated from the Delegation of the Spanish Government in downtown Barcelona.

Demonstrators reported injuries. Al Jazeera was unable to verify how many were injured or the severity of the wounds.